MEPs vote for compulsory halal and kosher labels

Meat from slaughter without stunning will now be labelled as such following a vote in the European Parliament.

The rule change will affect UK halal and kosher meat suppliers where MEPs decided that meat from non-stunned animals will now have to be mentioned on the label.

MEPs voted by 559 to 54 for the compulsory measure where the regulation would alert consumers to supplies entering the food system. Both Veterinary bodies and halal meat industry insiders have welcomed the decision on clearer labelling but with some misgivings.